Board of Trustees Spring 2009 Meeting

Trustees of Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary adopted a 2009-2010 budget, approved a new degree program, heard about the Partners for the Future Campaign and were apprised of the outcome of the recent WASC/ATS visits in their Spring 2009 meeting.

Seminary trustees approved a budget of $10,028,000, representing nearly half a million dollars less than last year’s budget. The reduced budget, 4.7% less than 2008-2009, was developed without resorting to layoffs – although a few vacant positions will be left open.

“While this is a conservative budget, we believe it reflects the current economic climate,” Iorg continued. “We have contingency plans for further reductions if necessary, but we anticipate moving ‘full speed ahead’ into the next academic year. The unity and willing sacrifice of our employees is making our positive response to economic uncertainties possible.”

As part of his report, Iorg shared the Seminary had successfully completed the WASC/ATS Capacity and Preparatory Review phase of its accreditation process. “We spent two years preparing for the site visit which took place in March 2009,” he said. “While we do not yet have the final report, the preliminary report shared with us by the Visiting Team was very positive.”

The trustees also heard reports from each regional campus. Highlights of those reports included expansion to Las Vegas in the upcoming 2009-2010 academic year, steady progress being made toward construction of the new classroom building in Arizona, and new faculty members at the Southern California Campus.

The trustees heard reports from faculty members about aspects of online course delivery and elected five new faculty members - Dr. Chris Chun, Dr. Glenn Prescott, Dr. Paul Kelly, Dr. Phil Conner and Ms. Kelly Campbell.

Dr. Chris Chun was elected as Associate Professor of Church History, residing at the Northern California campus. Chun has been serving the Seminary under a Presidential appointment since Fall 2008. He is a graduate of Gordon Cromwell Seminary with two master’s degrees, and recently completed his doctoral studies at the University of St. Andrews. He serves on the editorial committee of The Works of Andrew Fuller (forthcoming), and is editing one of its fifteen volumes. He has also authored numerous journal articles and conference proceedings.

Dr. Glenn Prescott was elected as Director of Theological Field Education and Associate Professor of Ministry, residing at the Northern California campus. Prescott comes to the position after a lengthy career with the International Mission Board and service in various capacities in Southern Baptist churches. A graduate of Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, he is currently an Associate Pastor at Tiburon Baptist Church, Tiburon, California.

Dr. Paul Kelly was elected as Associate Professor of Educational Leadership, residing at the Southern California campus. This is a new position with the intent of strengthening Educational Leadership programs at the Southern California campus. Kelly is a graduate of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and brings a strong emphasis in youth ministry to the faculty.

Dr. Phil Conner was elected as Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program and Professor of Ministry, residing at the Northern California campus. Conner, with two earned doctoral degrees including a D.Min. from Golden Gate, comes from a distinguished career as a high-ranking military chaplain.

Ms. Kelly Campbell, current Director of Libraries, was granted faculty status as Assistant Professor of Theological Research. Campbell, who recently earned a Master of Theological Studies degree from Golden Gate, has been with the Seminary for six years after a previous career as a public librarian.

The Board approved the launch of a new degree, the Master of Missiology, which will be available to students no later than Fall 2010. The degree will also have two possible concentrations – Urban Missions and Global Missions.

Trustees learned the Seminary has exceeded its enhancement goal of $5.5 million in the Partners for the Future Campaign and is well on the way to meeting the $7.5 million endowment goal. With another year to go in the campaign, the focus is on achieving the endowment portion of the goal, and reaching the $13 million total gifts goal by July 2010.

Dr. E. Randall Adams (Oklahoma), Team Leader for the Church Outreach Team for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, was elected Chairman of the Board. Joining him as elected officers are Milton Brock (Texas), President of Brock Insurance Group, as Vice-Chairman and Bob Galey (Michigan), pastor of Oakland Woods Baptist Church of Clarkston, Michigan, as Secretary.